Wheelchair suspension

ABSTRACT

A suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame, at least one drive assembly and at least one caster pivot arm. The at least one drive assembly and the at least one caster pivot arm are pivotally connected to the frame at a common pivot axis such that the drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm are pivotable relative to one another.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/447,988 filed on Mar. 2, 2017, pending issue, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/446,735, filed Jul. 30, 2014, pending issue, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/568,623, filed Aug. 7, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,794,359, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/523,630, filed on Jul. 17, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,272,461, which is a 371 of PCT/US08/52878 filed Feb. 4, 2008, which application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/900,137 for WHEELCHAIR SUSPENSION filed Feb. 8, 2007, the entire disclosures of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Wheelchairs and scooters are an important means of transportation for a significant portion of society. Whether manual or powered, these vehicles provide an important degree of independence for those they assist. However, this degree of independence can be limited if the wheelchair is required to traverse obstacles such as, for example, curbs that are commonly present at sidewalks, driveways, and other paved surface interfaces. This degree of independence can also be limited if the vehicle is required to ascend inclines or descend declines.

Most wheelchairs have front and rear casters to stabilize the chair from tipping forward or backward and to ensure that the drive wheels are always in contact with the ground. The caster wheels are typically much smaller than the driving wheels and located both forward and rearward of the drive wheels. Though this configuration provides the wheelchair with greater stability, it can hamper the wheelchair's ability to climb over obstacles such as, for example, curbs or the like, because the size of the front casters limits the height of the obstacle that can be traversed.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame, at least one drive assembly and at least one caster pivot arm. The at least one drive assembly and the at least one caster pivot arm are pivotally connected to the frame at a common pivot axis such that the drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm are pivotable relative to one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, embodiments of the invention are illustrated, which together with a general description of the invention given above and the detailed description given below, serve to example the principles of this invention.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a wheelchair suspension;

FIG. 1A is a side view of a second configuration of the wheelchair suspension of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1B is a side view of a rear drive configuration of the wheelchair suspension of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1C illustrates components of a wheelchair suspension coupled by one embodiment of a shock absorber or resilient shock absorbing device;

FIG. 1D illustrates components of a wheelchair suspension coupled by one embodiment of a spring or spring-type resilient device;

FIG. 1E illustrates components of a wheelchair suspension coupled by one embodiment of a shock absorber with a spring return;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the wheelchair suspension shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 4A are side views of the wheelchair suspension of FIG. 1 traversing a raised obstacle;

FIGS. 3B and 4B are side views of a wheelchair suspension having a variable length motion transfer member during traversal of a raised obstacle;

FIGS. 3C and 4C are side views of a wheelchair suspension having a variable length motion transfer member during traversal of a raised obstacle;

FIG. 5 is a side view of another embodiment of a wheelchair suspension;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the embodiment of the wheelchair suspension shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7A is a side view of the wheelchair suspension of FIG. 5 traversing a raised obstacle;

FIG. 7B is a side view of a wheelchair suspension with a variable length motion transfer member traversing a raised obstacle;

FIG. 7C is a side view of a wheelchair suspension with a variable length motion transfer member traversing a raised obstacle;

FIG. 8A is a side view of the wheelchair suspension of FIG. 5 traversing a raised obstacle;

FIG. 8B is a side view of a wheelchair suspension with a variable length motion transfer member traversing a raised obstacle;

FIG. 8C is a side view of a wheelchair suspension with a variable length motion transfer member traversing a lowered obstacle;

FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of a wheelchair suspension with a front caster pivot arm that comprises links of a four-bar linkage;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a second configuration of the wheelchair suspension of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a third configuration of the wheelchair suspension of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the wheelchair suspension of FIG. 9 traversing a raised obstacle;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the wheelchair suspension of FIG. 10 traversing a raised obstacle;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the wheelchair suspension of FIG. 11 traversing a raised obstacle;

FIG. 15 is a side view of an embodiment of a wheelchair suspension;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the wheelchair suspension of FIG. 15 traversing a raised obstacle;

FIG. 17 is a side view of an embodiment of a wheelchair suspension;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the wheelchair suspension of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a wheelchair;

FIG. 20 is a second perspective view of the wheelchair of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged side view of the wheelchair of FIG. 19 showing suspension components of the wheelchair;

FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 26 with a drive wheel shown transparently to more clearly illustrate operation of the suspension components; and

FIG. 23 is an enlarged side view of the of the wheelchair of FIG. 19 showing rear casters.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present patent application specification and drawings provide multiple embodiments of a wheelchair and suspension that enhances the ability of the vehicle to traverse obstacles and or improve the ride quality of the wheelchair. Generally, the wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a drive assembly and a front caster pivot arm. The drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm are coupled to enhance the vehicle's ability to traverse obstacles. In one embodiment, the drive assembly is pivotally mounted to the frame at a location that is below an axis of rotation of a drive axle of the drive assembly. In another embodiment, the pivot arm of the drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm are coupled to the frame in a crossed configuration. In another embodiment, the drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm are coupled by a variable length motion transfer member such as, for example, a shock absorber, a spring, or a shock absorber with a spring return or other resilient member or device. In another embodiment, the drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm are coupled by a damped and sprung suspension member.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of a wheelchair suspension 100. The wheelchair suspension 100 includes a frame 102, a drive assembly 104, a front caster pivot arm 106, and a rear caster 108. In this application, the term “frame” refers to any component or combination of components that are configured for mounting of a drive assembly and a caster pivot arm. The drive assembly 104 is pivotally mounted to the frame 102 at a drive assembly pivot axis 110. The drive assembly pivot axis 110 can be positioned at a wide variety of different locations on the frame 102. For example, the pivot axis 110 can be positioned at any position on the frame, including but not limited to, any of the positions shown or described with respect to this embodiment or the following embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2, the drive assembly pivot axis 110 of the drive assembly 104 is below an axis of rotation 112 of a drive axle 114 of the drive assembly 104.

In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2, each drive assembly 104 includes a motor drive 130, a drive wheel 132, and a pivot arm 134. The motor drive 130 may comprise a motor/gear box combination, a brushless, gearless motor, or any other known arrangement for driving the drive wheel 132. The motor drive 130 drives the drive wheel 132 about the axis of rotation 112. The pivot arm 134 may be a substantially rigid member that is connected to the motor drive 130. In one embodiment, the pivot arm 134 is flexible to provide inherent shock absorbing properties in the pivot arm. The pivot arm 134 may be made from a wide variety of materials, including, but not limited to, metals and plastics. The pivot arm 134 is pivotally coupled to the frame at the drive assembly pivot axis 110. In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2, the pivot arm 134 extends forward and downward from the motor drive to the drive assembly pivot axis 110. In this application, the terms “above” and “below” refer to the relative positions of the components when all of the wheels of the suspension are on a flat, level surface. In FIG. 1, the pivot axis 110 of the drive assembly pivot arm 134 is below the drive wheel axis of rotation 112 and is above an axis 135 of an axle 137 that the front caster wheel rotates around. FIG. 1A illustrates another configuration where the pivot axis 110 of the drive assembly pivot arm 134 is below the drive wheel axis of rotation 112 and the axis 135 of the axle 137 that the front caster wheel rotates around.

Torque is applied by the drive assembly 104 to the drive wheel 132 to cause the wheelchair to accelerate or decelerate. If the pivot arm 134 were not pivotally connected to the frame 102, applying torque with the drive assembly 104 to the drive wheel 132 to accelerate the wheelchair in the direction indicated by arrow 115 would cause the pivot arm 134 to rotate upward, around the drive axis as indicated by arrow 117. The torque applied by the drive wheel(s) of the vehicle to accelerate the vehicle lifts the front wheel(s) of the vehicle off of the ground, if the torque is great enough. In the suspension 100 illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2, the drive assembly 104 is pivotally connected to the frame 102 at the pivot axis. As a result, the torque applied by the drive assembly 104 to accelerate the wheelchair urges the drive assembly 104 to rotate with respect to the frame 102 about the pivot axis 110.

The front caster pivot arm 106 is pivotally mounted to the frame 102 at a pivot arm pivot axis 116. The pivot arm pivot axis 116 can be positioned at a wide variety of different locations on the frame 102. For example, the pivot arm pivot axis 116 can be positioned at any position on the frame, including but not limited to, any of the positions shown or described with respect to this embodiment or the following embodiments.

The front caster pivot arm 106 is coupled to the drive assembly 104. The front caster pivot arm 106 can be coupled to the drive assembly in a wide variety of different ways. For example, the front caster pivot arm 106 can be coupled to the drive assembly 104 in any manner that transfers motion of the drive assembly to the front caster pivot arm, including but not limited to, a fixed length link, a variable length link, a flexible link, a chain, a cord, a belt, a wire, a gear train, or any other known structure for transferring motion from one structure to another structure. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 1, a link 118 is pivotally connected to the drive assembly 104 and the front caster pivot arm 106. The link 118 transfers motion of the drive assembly 104 to the front caster pivot arm 106. That is, the relative movement of the drive assembly 104 with respect to the frame 102 causes relative movement of the front caster pivot arm 106 with respect to the frame.

A front caster 120 is coupled to the caster pivot arm 106. Torque applied by the drive assembly 104 urges the front caster pivot arm 106 and the front caster 120 upward with respect to a support surface 119. In one embodiment, the torque applied by the drive assembly 104 lifts the front caster 120 off the support surface 119. In another embodiment, the torque applied by the drive assembly 104 urges the front caster 120 upward, but does not lift the front caster 120 up off of the support surface. In this embodiment, when an obstacle is encountered, the front caster 120 engages the obstacle and the torque of the drive assembly urges the caster upward to assist the caster over the obstacle.

The rear caster 108 is coupled to the frame. Any number of rear casters may be included. For example, one caster 108 may be included (shown in phantom in FIG. 2) or two rear casters 108 may be included (shown in solid lines in FIG. 2). In the FIG. 1C embodiment, rear casters are omitted. The suspension illustrated by FIG. 1C may be included as part of a rear drive wheelchair. Rear casters may be omitted from any of the embodiments disclosed herein. The rear casters 108 may be coupled to the frame 102 in a wide variety of different ways. For example, the rear casters 108 may be rigidly fixed to the frame, the rear casters may be individually pivotally coupled to the frame, or the rear casters may be mounted to a transverse beam that is pivotally coupled to the frame.

In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 2, one drive assembly 104 and one front caster pivot arm 106 are coupled to a first side 200 of the frame 102 and a second drive assembly 104 and a second front caster pivot arm are coupled to a second side 202 of the frame. The first side 200 includes any portion of the frame 102 that is above line 204 in FIG. 2. The second side 202 includes any portion of the frame 102 that is below line 204 in FIG. 2. Only one of the drive assembly and front caster pivot arm arrangements is described in detail, since the drive assembly and pivot arm arrangements may be mirror images of one another in the FIG. 2 embodiment. In another embodiment, two different types of drive assemblies and front caster pivot arm arrangements may be on the sides of the frame.

The front caster 120 is coupled to the front caster pivot arm 106, such that the front caster can rotate about an axis 140. In one embodiment, a biasing member, such as a spring (not shown) may optionally be coupled between the frame and the front caster pivot arm and/or the frame and the drive assembly to bias the front caster into engagement with the support surface 119. The front caster pivot arm 106 may be a substantially rigid member. In one embodiment, the front caster pivot arm 106 is flexible to provide inherent shock absorbing properties in the front caster pivot arm. The pivot arm 106 may be made from a wide variety of materials, including, but not limited to, metals and plastics. The front caster pivot arm 106 is pivotally mounted to the frame 102 at the pivot axis 116. The pivot axis 116 of the front caster pivot arm is forward of the drive assembly pivot axis 110 and may be below the axis of rotation 112 of the drive wheel in the embodiments illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 1A.

In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2, the link 118 is connected to the drive assembly pivot arm 134 at a pivotal connection 150. The link 118 is connected to the front caster pivot arm 106 at a pivotal connection 152. The link 118 can take a wide variety of different forms. For example, the link may be rigid, flexible, or extendible in length. Any link 118 that transfers at least some portion of motion in at least one direction of the drive assembly 104 to the front caster pivot arm can be used.

FIGS. 1C, 1D, and 1E illustrate examples of variable length links. These and other variable length links can also be used in the embodiments illustrated by FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B and/or any of the embodiments described below. In FIG. 1C, the link 118 is a shock absorber. Any shock absorbing member or assembly can be used. The shock absorber damps relative motion between the front caster pivot arm 106 and the drive assembly pivot arm 134. An example of one acceptable shock absorber is an all terrain bicycle shock absorber available from the Rock Shox division of SRAM Corporation. In FIG. 1D, the link 118 is a spring. Any spring device or assembly can be used. The spring 172 may urge the front caster pivot arm 106 and the drive assembly pivot arm 134 apart, may urge the front caster pivot arm 106 and the drive assembly together or the spring may be a bidirectional spring. A bidirectional spring would bias the pivotal connections 150 and 152 to a predetermined spacing. In FIG. 1E, the link 118 comprises a shock absorber 174 with a spring return 176. The shock absorber 174 damps relative motion between the front caster pivot arm 106 and the drive assembly pivot arm 134. The spring return 176 may urge the front caster pivot arm 106 and the drive assembly pivot arm 134 apart, may urge the front caster pivot arm 106 and the drive assembly together or the spring may be a bidirectional spring An example of one acceptable shock absorber with a spring return is a Rock Shox MCR mountain bike shock.

FIG. 3A is an elevational view of the suspension 100 traversing over an obstacle 300 by ascending the obstacle. This operating condition may be accomplished by accelerating the drive wheels 132 in the forward direction as described above. In this scenario, the moment arm generated by drive wheel 132 around the pivot axis 110 in the direction indicated by arrow 302 may be greater than the sum of all moment arms around pivot axis 110 in the opposite direction. When this occurs, the drive assembly 104 to pivots as indicated by arrow 302 around pivot axis 110 with respect to the frame 102. The drive assembly pivot arm 134 pulls the link 118, which causes the front caster pivot arm 106 to pivot as indicated by arrow 304 around pivot axis 116. This causes front caster 120 to rise above obstacle 300 or urge the front caster upward to assist the front caster over the obstacle 300.

FIGS. 3B and 3C illustrate an embodiment of the suspension 100 traversing over the obstacle 300, where the link 118 is a variable length link, such as a spring, a shock absorber, or a shock absorber with a spring return. In this embodiment, the drive assembly pivot arm 134 pulls the link 118 to extend the link to its maximum length or a length where the front caster pivot arm 106 begins to pivot. Once extended, the link 118 pulls the front caster pivot arm 106 to pivot as indicated by arrow 304 around pivot axis 116. This causes front caster 120 to rise above obstacle 300 or urges the front caster upward to assist the front caster over the obstacle 300. Referring to FIG. 3C, when the front caster 120 engages the obstacle 300, the front caster pivot arm 106 pivots as indicated by arrow 310 and the link 118 compresses to absorb shock or energy that results from the impact between the front caster and the obstacle.

Illustrated in FIG. 4A is a side elevational view of the suspension 100 with the drive wheel 132 traversing the obstacle 300. When the drive wheel 132 comes into contact with the obstacle 300, drive assembly 104 pivots in the direction indicated by arrow 400 around pivot axis 110. The rotation of the drive assembly 104 is translated to the front caster pivot arm 106 to lower the caster 120 down onto the lower support surface elevation. When the link 118 is a rigid member, the drive assembly 104 and the front caster pivot arm 106 act in unison. One or more springs (not shown) may optionally be coupled to the drive assembly 104 and/or the front caster pivot arm 106 to urge the front caster pivot arm 106 to rotate about pivot axis 116 in the direction indicated by arrow 402.

FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of the suspension 100 with the drive wheel 132 traversing over the obstacle 300, where the link 118 is a variable length link When the drive wheel 132 comes into contact with obstacle 300, the drive assembly 104 pivots in the direction indicated by arrow 400 around pivot axis 110 to soften the impact from obstacle 300 that is transferred to the frame 102. During such pivotal movement of the drive assembly 104, the link 118 compresses as indicated by arrows 410 to allow pivoting of the drive assembly 104 with respect to the front caster pivot arm. Compressing of the link 118 absorbs shock that results from the impact between the drive wheel 132 and the obstacle 300. When the front caster 120 comes into contact with the support surface 119, the pivot arm 106 pivots in the direction indicated by arrow 412 around pivot axis 116 to soften the impact support surface 119 that is transferred to the frame 102. During such pivotal movement of the pivot arm 106, the link 118 compresses to allow pivoting of the front caster pivot arm 106 with respect to the drive assembly. Compressing of the link 118 absorbs shock that results from the impact between the front caster 120 and the obstacle 300.

FIG. 4C illustrates an embodiment of the suspension 100 with the drive wheel 132 descending from an elevated surface 420 with a step 422 to a lower surface 424, where the link 118 is a variable length link. When the front caster 120 reaches the step 422, the front caster 422 and the front caster pivot arm 106 begin to move downward. The weight of the front caster pivot arm 106 and front caster 120, in combination with any weight supported by the front caster 120, pulls the link 118 to extend the link to its maximum length or until the front caster 120 engages the lower surface 424. By allowing the front caster 120 to drop down and engage the lower surface 424 before the drive wheel reaches the step, the front caster 120 and the link 118 can absorb shock that results from the drive wheel 132 moving from the upper surface 420 to the lower surface 424.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate another wheelchair suspension embodiment 500. The wheelchair suspension 500 includes a frame 502, a drive assembly 504, a front caster pivot arm 506, and a rear caster 508. The drive assembly 504 is pivotally mounted to the frame 502 at a drive assembly pivot axis 510. In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 5 and 6, the drive assembly pivot axis 510 of the drive assembly 504 is below an axis of rotation 512 of a drive axle 514 of the drive assembly 504 and is in front of a pivot axis 116 of the front caster pivot arm 506. As such, a drive assembly pivot arm 534 and the front caster pivot arm 506 are in a crossed configuration when viewed from the side as shown in FIG. 5. The front caster pivot arm 506 and the drive assembly pivot arm 534 may be laterally offset as shown in FIG. 6, or may be bent to accommodate the crossed configuration. By arranging the front caster pivot arm 506 and the drive assembly pivot arm 534 in the crossed configuration, the length of the front caster pivot arm 506 and/or the drive assembly pivot arm 534 can be increased as compared to suspension where the front caster pivot arm and the drive assembly pivot arm do not cross.

The front caster pivot arm 506 is coupled to the drive assembly 504. The front caster pivot arm 506 and the drive assembly 504 can be coupled in any manner that transfers at least a portion of the motion of the drive assembly in at least one direction to the front caster pivot arm. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 5, a link 518 is pivotally connected to the drive assembly 504 and the front caster pivot arm 506. The link 518 transfers motion of the drive assembly 504 to the front caster pivot arm. A front caster 520 is coupled to the caster pivot arm 506. Torque applied by the drive assembly 504 urges the front caster pivot arm 506 and the front caster 520 upward with respect to a support surface 119.

In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 5 and 6, each drive assembly 504 includes a motor drive 530, a drive wheel 532, and the pivot arm 534. The motor drive 530 drives the drive wheel 532 about the axis of rotation 512. In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 5 and 6, the pivot arm 534 extends forward and downward from the motor drive to the drive assembly pivot axis 510. In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the drive assembly pivot axis 510 is below the drive wheel axis of rotation 512 and below an axis of rotation 535 of a wheel of the front caster 520.

In one embodiment, a biasing member, such as a spring (not shown) may optionally be coupled between the frame and the front caster pivot arm or the frame and the drive assembly to bias the front caster into engagement with the support surface 119. The front caster pivot arm 506 may be a substantially rigid member. In one embodiment, the front caster pivot arm 506 is flexible to provide inherent shock absorbing properties in the front caster pivot arm. The pivot arm 506 may be made from a wide variety of materials, including, but not limited to, metals and plastics. The front caster pivot arm 506 is pivotally mounted to the frame 502 at the pivot axis 516. The pivot axis 516 of the front caster pivot arm is rearward of the drive assembly pivot axis 510 and below the axis of rotation 512 of the drive wheel and below the axis of rotation 535 of the wheel of the front caster 520 in the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 5 and 6.

In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 5 and 6, the link 518 is connected to the drive assembly pivot arm 534 at a pivotal connection 550. The link 518 is connected to the front caster pivot arm 506 at a pivotal connection 552. The link 518 can take a wide variety of different forms. For example, the link may be rigid, flexible, or extendible in length. Any link 518 that transfers at least some portion of motion in at least one direction of the drive assembly 504 to the front caster pivot arm can be used.

FIG. 7A is an elevational view of the suspension 500 traversing over an obstacle 300 by ascending the obstacle. This operating condition may be accomplished by accelerating the drive wheels 532 in the forward direction. In this scenario, the moment arm generated by drive wheel 532 may be greater than opposite moment arms around pivot axis 510. When this occurs, the drive assembly 504 pivots as indicated by arrow 702 around pivot axis 510. The drive assembly pivot arm 534 pulls the link 518, which causes the front caster pivot arm 506 to pivot as indicated by arrow 704 around pivot axis 516. This causes front caster 520 to rise above obstacle 300 or urges the front caster upward to assist the front caster over the obstacle 300.

FIGS. 7B and 7C illustrate an embodiment of the suspension 500 traversing over the obstacle 300, where the link 518 is a variable length link. In this embodiment, the drive assembly pivot arm 534 pulls the link 518 to extend the link to its maximum length or a length where the front caster pivot arm 506 begins to pivot. Once extended, the link 518 pulls the front caster pivot arm 506 to pivot as indicated by arrow 704 around pivot axis 516. This causes front caster 520 to rise above obstacle 300 or urges the front caster upward to assist the front caster over the obstacle 300. Referring to FIG. 7C, when the front caster 520 engages the obstacle 300, the front caster pivot arm 506 pivots as indicated by arrow 710 and the link 518 compresses to absorb shock that results from the impact between the front caster 520 and the obstacle 300.

Illustrated in FIG. 8A is a side elevational view of the suspension 500 with the drive wheel 532 traversing the obstacle 300. When the drive wheel 532 comes into contact with the obstacle 300, the drive assembly 504 pivots in the direction indicated by arrow 800 around pivot axis 510. The rotation of the drive assembly 504 is translated to the front caster pivot arm 506 to lower the caster 520 down onto the lower driving surface elevation. When the link 518 is a rigid member, the drive assembly 504 and the front caster pivot arm 506 act in unison. One or more springs (not shown) may optionally be included to bias the front caster pivot arm 506 in the direction indicated by arrow 802.

FIG. 8B illustrates an embodiment of the suspension 500 with the drive wheel 532 traversing over the obstacle 300, where the link 518 is a variable length link. When the drive wheel 532 comes into contact with obstacle 300, the drive assembly 504 pivots in the direction indicated by arrow 810 around pivot axis 510 to soften the impact from the obstacle 300 that is transferred to the frame 502. During such pivotal movement of the drive assembly 504, the link 518 compresses to allow pivoting of the drive assembly 504 with respect to the front caster pivot arm. Compressing of the link 518 absorbs shock that results from the impact between the drive wheel 532 and the obstacle 300. When the front caster 520 comes into contact with the support surface 519, the pivot arm 506 pivots in the direction indicated by arrow 812 around pivot axis 516 to soften the impact with the support surface 119 that is transferred to the frame 502. During such pivotal movement of the pivot arm 506, the link 518 compresses to allow pivoting of the front caster pivot arm 506 with respect to the drive assembly. Compressing of the link 518 absorbs shock that results from the impact between the front caster 520 and the obstacle 300.

FIG. 8C illustrates an embodiment of the suspension 500 with the drive wheel 532 descending from an elevated surface 820 with a step 822 to a lower surface 824, where the link 518 is a variable length link When the front caster 520 reaches the step 822, the front caster 520 and the front caster pivot arm 506 begin to move downward. The weight of the front caster pivot arm 506 and front caster 520, in addition to any weight supported by the front caster 520, pulls the link 518 to extend the link to its maximum length or until the front caster 520 engages the lower surface 824. By allowing the front caster 520 to drop down and/or engage the lower surface 824 before the drive wheel reaches the step, the front caster 520 and the link 518 can absorb shock that results from the drive wheel 532 moving from the upper surface 420 to the lower surface 424.

FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 illustrate embodiments of a wheelchair suspension 900 where a front caster pivot arm 906 comprises links of a four bar linkage. In the configurations illustrated by FIGS. 9 and 10, a drive assembly pivot arm 934 and the front caster pivot arm 906 are in a crossed configuration. In the configuration illustrated by FIG. 11, the drive assembly pivot arm 934 and the front caster pivot arm 906 are not in a crossed configuration.

The wheelchair suspensions 900 illustrated by FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 each include a frame 902, a drive assembly 904, a front caster pivot arm 906, and a rear caster 908. The drive assembly 904 is pivotally mounted to the frame 902 at a drive assembly pivot axis 910. The front caster pivot arm 906 comprises an upper link 906 a and a lower link 906 b. The upper link 906 a is pivotally coupled to a caster support member 911 at a pivotal connection 980 and is pivotally connected to the frame 902 at a pivotal connection 981. The lower link 906 b is pivotally coupled to the caster support member 911 at a pivotal connection 982 and is pivotally connected to the frame 902 at a pivotal connection 983.

The caster support member 911 may be any structure that allows links 906 a, 906 b to be coupled to the caster 920. The links 906 a, 906 b, the frame 902, and the caster support member 911 form a four-bar linkage. The pivotal connections 980, 981, 982, 983 can be positioned at a wide variety of different locations on the frame 902 and the caster support member 911 and the length of the links 906 can be selected to define the motion of the caster 920 as the front caster pivot arm 906 is pivoted. In the example illustrated by FIG. 9, the front caster pivot arm 906 retracts the front caster 920 or pivots the wheel of the front caster toward the frame as the pivot arm 906 is lifted and extends the front caster 920 or pivots the wheel of the front caster 920 away from the frame as the front caster pivot arm is lowered. In the example illustrated by FIG. 10, the four-bar linkage defines a parallelogram. As such, the orientation of the front caster 920 does not change as the pivot arm pivots.

In the configurations illustrated by FIGS. 9 and 10, the drive assembly pivot axis 910 is below the pivotal connections 981, 983 of the front caster pivot arm links and a drive axle 914 and is in front of at least one of the pivotal connections 981, 983 of the front caster pivot arm 906. The drive assembly pivot arm 934 and the front caster pivot arm 906 are in a crossed configuration when viewed from the side. The front caster pivot arm 906 and the drive assembly pivot arm 934 may be laterally offset, or may be bent to accommodate the crossed configuration. By arranging the front caster pivot arm 906 and the drive assembly pivot arm 934 in the crossed configuration, the length of the front caster pivot arm 906 and/or the drive assembly pivot arm 934 can be increased. In the configuration illustrated by FIG. 11, the drive assembly pivot axis 910 is above the pivotal connections 981, 983 of the front caster pivot arm links, but below the drive axle 914. The drive assembly pivot arm 934 and the front caster pivot arm 906 do not cross.

The drive assembly 904 and the front caster pivot arm 906 can be coupled in any manner that transfers at least a portion of motion of the drive assembly in at least one direction to the pivot arm 906. In the embodiments illustrated by FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, the front caster pivot arm 906 is coupled to the drive assembly 904 by a link 918 that is pivotally connected to the drive assembly 904 and the upper link 906 a of the front caster pivot arm 906. The link could also be connected to the drive assembly 904 and the lower link 906 b of the front caster pivot arm 106. The link 918 can be a fixed length link, a rigid link, a flexible link and/or may be a variable length link. The link 918 transfers motion of the drive assembly 904 to the front caster pivot arm. Torque applied by the drive assembly 904 urges the front caster pivot arm 906 and the front caster 920 upward with respect to a support surface 119.

FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 are elevational views of the suspensions 900 of FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 traversing over an obstacle 300 by ascending the obstacle. The drive assembly 904 pivots as indicated by arrow 902 around pivot axis 910. The drive assembly pivot arm 934 pulls the link 918, which pulls the front caster pivot arm 906. The front caster pivot arm 906 urges the front caster 920 upward and toward the frame 902. This causes front caster 920 to rise above obstacle 300 or urges the front caster upward and toward the frame 920 to assist the front caster over the obstacle 300.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a wheelchair suspension 1500 where a front caster pivot arm 1506 and a drive assembly pivot arm 1534 pivot about a common axis 1510. The wheelchair suspension 1500 illustrated by FIG. 15 includes a frame 1502, a drive assembly 1504, a front caster pivot arm 1506, and a rear caster 1508. The drive assembly 1504 and the front caster pivot arm 1506 are pivotally mounted to the frame 1502 at the common pivot axis 1510. In the configuration illustrated by FIG. 15, the common pivot axis 1510 is below both an axle 1535 of the caster and a drive axle 1514 of the drive assembly 1504. In another embodiment, the common pivot axis 1510 is above the caster axle 1535, but below the drive axle 1514.

The drive assembly 1504 and the front caster pivot arm 1506 can be coupled in any manner. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 15, the front caster pivot arm 1506 is coupled to the drive assembly 1504 by a link 1518 that is pivotally connected to the drive assembly 1504 and the front caster pivot arm 1506. The link 1518 can be a fixed length link, a rigid link, a flexible link and/or may be a variable length link. The link 1518 transfers motion of the drive assembly 1504 to the front caster pivot arm. Torque applied by the drive assembly 1504 urges the front caster pivot arm 1506 and the front caster 1520 upward with respect to a support surface 119.

FIG. 16 is an elevational view of the suspension 1500 traversing over an obstacle 300 by ascending the obstacle. The drive assembly 1504 pivots as indicated by arrow 1602 around pivot axis 1510. The drive assembly pivot arm 1534 pulls the link 1518, which pulls the front caster pivot arm 1506 to urge the front caster 1520 upward. This causes front caster 1520 to rise above obstacle 300 or urges the front caster upward to assist the front caster over the obstacle 300.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate an embodiment of a wheelchair suspension 1700 where the a front caster pivot arm 1706 comprises links of a four bar linkage 1701 and a drive assembly 1704 and one of the links of front caster pivot arm 1706 pivot about a common axis 1710. The wheelchair suspension 1700 illustrated by FIGS. 17 and 18 includes a frame 1702, a drive assembly 1704, a front caster pivot arm 1706, and may include a rear caster (not shown). The drive assembly 1704 is pivotally mounted to the frame 1702 the common pivot axis. The front caster pivot arm 1706 comprises an upper link 1706 a and a lower link 1706 b. The upper link 1706 a is pivotally coupled to a caster support member 1711 at a pivotal connection 1780 and is pivotally connected to the frame 1702 at the drive assembly pivot axis 1710. The lower link 1706 b is pivotally coupled to the caster support member 1711 at a pivotal connection 1782 and is pivotally connected to the frame 1702 at a pivotal connection 1783. The links 1706 a, 1706 b, the frame 1702, and the caster support member 1711 form a four-bar linkage. In the example illustrated by FIGS. 17 and 18, the front caster pivot arm 1706 retracts the front caster 1720 as the pivot arm 1706 is lifted and extends the front caster 1720 as the front caster pivot arm 1706 is lowered.

In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 17 and 18, the front caster pivot arm 1706 is coupled to the drive assembly 1704 by a link 1718 that is pivotally connected to the drive assembly 1704 and the upper link 1706 a of the front caster pivot arm 1706. The illustrated link 1718 is a coil over shock arrangement that comprises a variable length shock absorber 1719 with a spring or coil 1721 disposed around the shock absorber. The shock absorber 1719 absorbs shock that results from impacts sustained by the front caster or the drive wheel. The coil 1721 biases the shock absorber to an extended position. The link 1718 transfers motion of the drive assembly 1704 to the front caster pivot arm. Torque applied by the drive assembly 1704 urges the front caster pivot arm 706 and the front caster 1720 upward with respect to a support surface 119.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are perspective views of a wheelchair 1901 that includes a suspension 1900. The wheelchair 1901 is preferably a mid-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive wheelchair, but may be any type of wheelchair. As shown, the wheelchair 1901 has a chair 1992 having arm supports 1994. A control device such as, for example, a joystick controller 1998 (FIG. 1A) is attached to the chair 1992 for controlling any power-related aspects of the wheelchair 1901. Projecting forward from the chair 1992 is a footrest 1997 for supporting the feet of the wheelchair's user.

The wheelchair 1901 may include the suspension illustrated in FIGS. 19-23, any of the suspension configurations described above, or any combination of the components of the suspension configurations described herein. Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the illustrated suspension 1900 includes a frame 1902, a drive assembly 1904, a front caster pivot arm 1906, and two rear casters 1908. The drive assembly 1904 is pivotally mounted to the frame 1902 at a drive assembly pivot axis 1910.

Each drive assembly 1904 includes a motor drive 1930, a drive wheel 1932, and a pivot arm 1934. The motor drive 1930 may comprise a motor/gear box combination, a brushless, gearless motor, or any other known arrangement for driving the drive wheel 1932. The motor drive 1930 is powered by one or more batteries 1935 (FIG. 20) to drive the drive wheel 1932 about a the axis of rotation 1912. Referring to FIG. 22, the illustrated pivot arm 1934 comprises a steel plate that is fixed to the motor drive 1930. The pivot arm 1934 is pivotally coupled to the frame at the drive assembly pivot axis 1910. Referring to FIG. 22, the pivot arm 1934 extends forward and downward from the motor drive to the drive assembly pivot axis 110. The pivot axis 1910 of the drive assembly pivot arm 1934 is below the drive wheel axis of rotation 1912

Referring to FIG. 22, the front caster pivot arm 1906 comprises an upper link 1906 a and a lower link 1906 b. The upper link 906 a is pivotally coupled to a caster support member 1911 at a pivotal connection 1980 and is pivotally connected to the frame 1902 at a pivotal connection 1981. The lower link 1906 b is pivotally coupled to the caster support member 1911 at a pivotal connection 1982 and is pivotally connected to the frame 1902 at a pivotal connection 1983. In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 21 and 22, the pivotal connection 1983 is at or near the lowest point of the frame 1902. The links 1906 a, 1906 b, the frame 1902, and the caster support member 1911 form a four-bar linkage 1985 (See FIG. 22). In the configuration illustrated by FIGS. 21 and 22, the drive assembly pivot axis 1910 is at or near the lowest point of the frame 1902 and is in front of the pivotal connections 1981, 1983 of the front caster pivot arm 1906. The drive assembly pivot arm 1934 and the front caster pivot arm 1906 are in a crossed configuration.

In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 21 and 22, a shock absorber link 1918 is pivotally connected to the drive assembly 1904 and the front caster pivot arm 1906. The shock absorber link 1918 transfers motion of the drive assembly 1904 to the front caster pivot arm 1906. The shock absorber link 1918 is a variable length link, though it can also be a fixed length link. When the drive assembly 1904 is accelerated, the drive assembly pivot arm 1934 pulls the shock absorber link 1918 to extend the link to its maximum length or a length where it urges the front caster pivot arm 1906 to pivot. Once extended, the link 1918 pulls or urges the front caster pivot arm 1906 to pivot upward. This causes front caster 1920 to rise or urges the front caster 1920 upward. When the front caster 1920 engages an obstacle, the shock absorber link 1918 compresses to absorb shock from the impact between the front caster 1920 and the obstacle. When the drive wheel 1932 comes into contact with an obstacle, the shock absorber link 1918 compresses to absorb shock that results from the impact between the drive wheel and the obstacle.

Referring to FIG. 23, first and second rear casters 1908 are independently, pivotally coupled to the frame 1902. Each rear caster 1908 is coupled to a pivot arm 2381 that is pivotally connected to the frame 1906 at a pivot axis 2383. A rear caster spring 2385 acts between the frame 1902 and the rear caster pivot arm 2381. The rear caster spring 2385 biases the rear caster 1908 into engagement with the ground.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, pivotal connections can be made of any number of structures including bearing assemblies, pins, nuts and bolts, and frictionless sleeve assemblies. Additionally, springs or shock absorbers can be added between pivoting and non-pivoting components to limit, dampen, or somewhat resist the pivotal motions of these components. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures can be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept. 

What is claimed:
 1. A method of traversing an obstacle with a wheelchair, comprising: pivoting a drive assembly pivot arm about a pivot axis, wherein the drive assembly pivot arm is pivotally connected to a frame, wherein a drive assembly is mounted to the drive assembly pivot arm; and pivoting a front caster pivot arm about the pivot axis, wherein the front caster pivot arm is pivotally connected to the frame, wherein the front caster pivot arm pivots about the pivot axis independently of the drive assembly, wherein the front caster pivot arm comprises a four bar linkage that includes a curved upper link and a curved lower link, wherein the curved upper link pivots about the pivot axis, wherein a front caster is mounted to the front caster pivot arm.
 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising pivoting the curved lower link about a second pivot axis.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the front caster pivot arm is coupled to the drive assembly pivot arm by a link.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pivot axis is below an axis of rotation of a drive wheel of the drive assembly.
 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising biasing the drive assembly downward relative to the frame.
 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the drive assembly is biased downward relative to the frame by a spring.
 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the spring comprises a spring coil disposed around a shock absorber.
 8. A method of suspending a drive assembly, a front caster, and a rear caster from a frame of a wheelchair, the method comprising: pivotally connecting a drive assembly pivot arm to the frame at a first pivot axis, wherein the drive assembly is mounted to the drive assembly pivot arm; pivotally connecting a front caster pivot arm to the frame, wherein the front caster pivot arm comprises an upper link and a lower link, wherein the upper link is pivotally connected to the frame at the first pivot axis, wherein the lower link is pivotally connected to the frame at a second pivot axis, wherein the front caster pivot arm pivots about the frame independently of the drive assembly pivot arm; and pivotally connecting a rear caster pivot arm to the frame at a third pivot axis.
 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the front caster pivot arm comprises a four bar linkage.
 10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the upper link and the lower link of the front caster pivot arm are curved.
 11. The method according to claim 8, further comprising connecting the front caster pivot arm to the drive assembly pivot arm by a link.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the link is pivotally connected to the drive assembly pivot arm and pivotally connected to the front caster pivot arm.
 13. A method of traversing an obstacle with a wheelchair, comprising: pivoting a drive assembly pivot arm about a pivot axis, wherein the drive assembly pivot arm is pivotally connected to a frame, wherein a drive assembly is mounted to the drive assembly pivot arm, wherein the pivot axis is below an axis of rotation of a drive wheel of the drive assembly; and pivoting a front caster pivot arm about the pivot axis, wherein the front caster pivot arm is pivotally connected to the frame, wherein the front caster pivot arm pivots about the pivot axis independently of the drive assembly, wherein a front caster is mounted to the front caster pivot arm. 